2012 Finalists & Winners

Welcome Home Brands Best In Category Bronze Medal Recipient Oven-Safe Paper Bakeware
Welcome Home Brands' Oven-Safe Paper Bakeware is a disposable food-grade paper bakeware that is said to make it easy to bake, serve, store and give in one unit. There is no need for pre-greasing or cleanup of metal pans, noted the company. Oven safe to 400ºF and freezer safe, the paper bakeware is available in a range of shapes, styles and designs.View Winner Profile

Focus Products Group LLCChicago Metallic Surprise Pan
With the Chicago Metallic Surprise Pan from Focus Products Group, consumers can bake a surprise such as candy, fruit or cheese into the middle of every cupcake. The patent pending 12-cup cupcake/muffin pan is non-stick with easy release and features a post in the middle of each cavity to keep the treat centered.

GorhamMario Batali by Dansk Light Cast Iron Cookware
Mario Batali by Dansk Light Cast Iron Cookware is said to feature the benefits of cast iron cookware at half the weight of traditional cast iron, with even distribution of heat without hot spots, heat retention and a nonstick ceramic-based cooking surface. It is safe for use on gas, electric, induction and ceramic top ranges; and for ovens.

Mastrad, Inc.TopChips Kit: Chips Maker + Mandolin Set
The TopChips Kit makes homemade fruit and vegetable chips in the microwave in only 3 to 5 minutes, noted Mastrad. The set includes one TopChips chip maker tray and one mandolin slicer to slice chips evenly. The trays are stackable to make additional chips.

Zojirushi America Corp.Stainless Steel Thermal Vacuum Cooking Pot
Zojirushi's thermal vacuum insulated cooking pot slow cooks food and is said to save energy consumption. The stainless steel vacuum insulated outer container features heat retention, and it has a base-to-rim 3-ply stainless steel construction inner cooking pan. Heat the food in the inner cooking pan on the stove, and place the pan in the outer container to keep the food hot. The food completes cooking using its own heat.

Countertop Cooking & Beverage Appliances

Jura Capresso, Inc. Best In Category Jura IMPRESSA J9 One Touch TFT
The Jura IMPRESSA J9 One Touch TFT is a one-touch automatic coffee center that can prepare specialty coffee beverages at the touch of a button. It features the company's new state-of-the-art TFT color 3.5-inch-square display that combines graphics and text to showcase the type of beverage, number of ounces, coffee strength and amount of milk. The system brews crema coffee, espresso, ristretto, latte cappuccino or latte macchiato in less than 60 seconds. Other features include fine foam technology and a height-adjustable cappuccino spout.View Winner Profile

Calphalon Corp./ Newell RubbermaidNo Peek Round Waffle Maker
Calphalon's No Peek Round Waffle Maker features a variable shade control that lets users choose waffle doneness, from light to dark. The unit measures the waffle doneness on temperature, versus the standard of time, and it has a no-peek ready light to indicate when the waffle is cooked. Other features include a high-performance bronze nonstick cooking surface and silicone-wrapped handles.

Hearthware LLCPrecision Induction Cooktop
Hearthware has debuted its new Precision Induction Cooktop, an eco-friendly, energy-efficient portable countertop induction cooktop that is said to heat instantly and cook up to 50% faster than gas or electric. Set the temperature in 10-degree increments on a digital display, or use pre-set programming settings from low to sear. The Precision Induction Cooktop package includes a cookbook, an instructional DVD and quick start guide.

iSi North America, Inc.Twist 'n Sparkle Beverage Carbonating System Starter Set
iSi North America's Twist 'n Sparkle Beverage Carbonating System Starter Set carbonates beverages without dilution, allowing the user to craft sparkling fruit juices, desserts and cocktails. It is designed to be functional with ease of use in mind and features a fun churning action, noted the company. The system uses a one-way CO2 gas charger that results in the only waste being a steel shell for metal recycling or which degrades into 100% natural materials.

Cuisinart Best In Category Cuisinart Blend and Cook Soupmaker
Cuisinart's Blend and Cook Soupmaker handles the tasks of a traditional blender and can prepare and cook soups. An internal heater ensures that soup is kept at the optimum temperature, and digital controls allow users to set the unit's cooking time and temperature for sautéing, simmering and boiling. The blender has 900-watts of cooking power, four blending speeds, pulse and stir functions and a thermal, shock-resistant glass blending/cooking jar that holds up to 48 ounces of hot liquids and 56 ounces of cold liquids.View Winner Profile

Baby Brezza Enterprises, LLCOne Step Baby Food Maker
Baby Brezza's patented One Step Baby Food Maker prepares food for infants and toddlers by combining the processes of steaming and blending fruits, vegetables and meats in one bowl, with the ability to automatically blend food after steaming. The bowl is made with Eastman Tritan copolyester to provide heat resistance and durability, and the cooking process is said to be completed in as few as 15 minutes.

Blendtec/K-Tec Inc.The Twister Jar
Blendtec's Twister Jar can blend thick recipes and tough blends such as nut butters, pesto, baby food, dips, thick shakes, dressings and hummus in 90 seconds or less, noted the company. The patent-pending Twister Lid's scraper tines pull ingredients from the wall of the jar and force them back into the blending area. The Twister Jar is compatible with all Blendtec Home Blenders and comes with a custom-designed spatula.

Leifheit International USA Inc.Soehnle Page Evolution Digital Glass Kitchen Scale
Soehnle's Page Evolution Digital Glass Kitchen Scale has a height of less than 9.9 mm/0.39 inch. Technology includes patented Sensor Touch panels that require only a soft touch to operate and an auto-off function. The display can be switched between weight and volume, and it has an easy-to-clean, smooth-glass surface and tare function. Due to the precise graduation, it can be used as a postage scale. The slim kitchen scale is available in black, silver and white.

Joseph Joseph Inc. Best In Category No-Spill Mill Electric Salt and Pepper Mill with Closing Base
Joseph Joseph's No-Spill Mill electric spice mill conceals an integrated base that captures excess salt or pepper after use, preventing particles from being deposited on surfaces when the mill is placed down. To operate, hold the unit with one hand and squeeze the flared lever at the top until the desired amount of salt or pepper is dispensed. Release the lever and the base of the unit closes, sealing off the grinding mechanism. The mill has an adjustable, ceramic mechanism that grinds from fine to coarse grain.View Winner Profile

CuisiproSnap-Fit Rocket Pop Mold
Cuisipro's Snap-Fit Rocket Pop Molds make customized pops in a space-saving design, as the individual molds can snap together so the consumer can use as little or as many molds as needed. The pop's handles are molded like rocket thrusters while the core of the rocket-shape pop features an inner stick shaped like an astronaut. The plastic is BPA-free.

Full CircleFresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector
The design of Full Circle's Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector appears to be a sealed container, but a wind flume system allows oxygen to flow all around the waste bag. The waste bag is ASTM D6400 certified compostable and also breathable, which promotes aerobic decomposition so food decomposes more slowly and stays drier, resulting in less mess and less odor, noted the company.

Roland Products Inc.Bisbell MagMates Magnetic Knife Storage Pods
Bisbell MagMates Magnetic Knife Storage Pods are designed to allow knife storage in many color, size and length configurations. Each pod holds two knives, and can be placed along with other pods in any pattern desired. Knife pods, blade guards and knife racks combine magnetic strength with rubberized surfaces to keep blades protected.

Spice Ratchet Mills, LLCBlossom Trivet
Spice Ratchet Mills' Blossom is a flower-shaped, silicone gadget that can be used as a trivet, a coaster, a hot mitt, a hot pad and more. It can be scrunched up to make a cup-size coaster or pulled out to set a hot plate on top of it. The design can be stretched around a casserole to work as a hot pad, or stacked as a mat. Blossom is insulating, so it protects countertops and tabletops and is available in variety of colors.

Cutlery

Robert Welch Co. Best In Category Robert Welch Signature Range
Robert Welch's Signature Knives combine European and Asian cutting-edge technologies. A 15-degree edge angle on German stainless steel gives the knives sharpness and edge retention and each blade is uniquely curved to optimize the cutting action for its function. An Oak Step Block incorporates hidden magnets to protect the blade edges and an integrated and removable ceramic wheel honing device is positioned on top for knife maintenance.View Winner Profile

Douglas QuikutChikara Comfort Grip 10-pc Cutlery Set
Douglas Quikut's Chikara Comfort Grip 10-piece cutlery set is designed with colored soft-grip handles that are ergonomically designed to fit smoothly into the user's hand. The blades are made from Japanese 420J2 stainless steel for stain and rust resistance, and the soft grip handles are available in three colors, wasabi, lotus and coral.

Kai USAShun Fuji Chef's 8.5-inch Knife
The Shun Fuji Chef's 8.5-inch knife from Kai USA features the company's SG2 micro-carbide steel cutting core, which creates a dense grain structure and fine-edged, durable blade that is said to be thin, light and razor sharp. The knife has a natural tagayasan 'iron sword wood' handle and is crafted with 160 layers of hammered Pattern Damascus blade cladding to support the hard SG2 cutting core and to help food release from the blade.

Kuhn Rikon Corp.Melon Knife Colori
Featuring a colorful, melon-inspired design, the Kuhn Rikon Melon Knife Colori is designed to slice and glide through melon rinds as well as tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. The 7-inch Japanese carbon steel blade offers strength and durability, while a seed cutout design and nonstick coating prevents melon from sticking to the blade. A tool on the end of the orange safety sheath serves as a scoop for removing melon seeds.

Lifetime Brands Inc.Cuisinart Contour Ceramic 5-inch Santoku Knife
The Cuisinart Contour Ceramic 5-inch Santoku Knife from Lifetime Brands is a break-resistant and rust-resistant ceramic blade that is said to be stronger, harder and more durable than steel blades. The Santoku knife is part of a full line of open stock, is dishwasher safe and includes a protective in-drawer sheath.

Floor Care & Cleaning Appliances

Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. Best In Category Electrolux Nimble
The Electrolux Nimble upright bagless vacuum provides power and maneuverability for fast, multi-surface cleaning around the home, including tight spaces and hard to reach areas. It is equipped with a swivel action guidance system; a 3-in-1 Versatool attachment; cleaning power with cyclonic technology that is said by the company to never lose suction; and a Quick-Release telescopic wand and hose combination that extends cleaning to 14 feet of reach.View Winner Profile

Bissell Homecare, Inc.Bissell Lift-Off Deep Cleaning System
Bissell Homecare's Bissell Lift-Off Deep Cleaning System is two machines in one, offering consumers a versatile floor cleaning product. The Lift-Off Deep Cleaning System is a carpet deep cleaner for cleaning entire rooms and a portable spot cleaner for hard-to-reach areas or spot and stain pickup.

Euro-Pro Corp.Shark Pro Steam Pocket Mop
The Shark Pro Steam Pocket Mop features patented Steam Pocket technology for double-sided cleaning and Intelligent Steam Control to deliver 99.9% sanitization, according to the company. Three steam settings can customize the steam level for various floor types and cleaning needs, including dust mode; mop mode for everyday cleaning and hardwood floors; and scrub mode for cleaning on tile and stone floors.

Oreck Corp.Oreck Magnesium Vacuum Cleaner
Product Ventures, Oreck Corp.'s strategic partner, designed the new Oreck Magnesium, weighing in at 7.7 pounds, as a lightweight, full-powered upright vacuum cleaner with a magnesium alloy frame that is said to be nearly three times stronger than steel. The sleek profile and large rear wheels make it easy to push through dense and long pile carpet, noted the company.

Gadgets & Kitchen Tools

Chef'n Corporation Best In Category Silver Medal Recipient SleekStor Pinch + Pour Beakers
The SleekStor Pinch+Pour Beaker three-piece set measures up to 1, 2 and 4 cups for cooking and baking. The beakers feature Chef'n's Pinch+Pour technology, which combines flexible silicone that can be pinched to create a pour spout with a sturdy nylon core that helps beakers retain their shape when filled with hot liquids or used in the microwave. A translucent viewing window aids in precise measuring.View Winner Profile

DKB Household USA Corp.Zyliss Smart Guard Gourmet Mandoline
The Zyliss Smart Guard Gourmet Mandoline features Smart Guard technology that safely covers the blade until the hand trigger is activated. An ergonomic food holder and running rail system also keep hands away from the blade. German stainless steel 'V' blades slice up to 6mm in thickness; and two interchangeable julienne blades create thin and thick strips.

Eko Brands, LLCEkobrew
Eko Brands developed Ekobrew, a reusable filter for Keurig single cup brewing machines, for consumers looking to use their own coffee, reduce waste and save costs. The patent-pending design is said to work with Keurig machines and operates without the need for retrofitting. Ekobrew is a one-piece design with deeper brew chamber, heat-reducing grips, full-dispersion cone, flat-bottom filling, silicone O-ring and hinge.

Leifheit International USA Inc.Garlic King
Leifheit International's Garlic King aids in garlic preparation by cleanly cutting cloves with a rocking motion, rather than crushing. Garlic pieces and juice are cradled within the curved inside surface, and the stainless steel surface cleans easily by hand or dishwasher.

Green House Awards

Full Circle Best In Category Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector
The design of Full Circle's Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector appears to be a sealed container, but a wind flume system allows oxygen to flow all around the waste bag. The waste bag is ASTM D6400 certified compostable and also breathable, which promotes aerobic decomposition so food decomposes more slowly and stays drier, resulting in less mess and less odor, noted the company.View Winner Profile

Eko Brands, LLCEkobrew
Eko Brands developed Ekobrew, a reusable filter for Keurig single cup brewing machines, for consumers looking to use their own coffee, reduce waste and save costs. The patent-pending design is said to work with Keurig machines and operates without the need for retrofitting. Ekobrew is a one-piece design with deeper brew chamber, heat-reducing grips, full-dispersion cone, flat-bottom filling, silicone O-ring and hinge.

Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.Electrolux JetMaxx
The Electrolux JetMaxx is designed as an environmentally friendly canister vacuum and built with 55% post-consumer recycled plastic. JetMaxx is outfitted with a large-capacity s-bag GREEN, a dust bag made of renewable resources including plant starches, natural rubber and recycled cardboard that uses 42% less nonrenewable energy in production. Features include a powerbrush attachment for cleaning stair risers and upholstery.

PackIt, LLCPackIt Personal Cooler
PackIt's Personal Coolers have a patented eco-gel liner integrated directly into the walls of the bag. The user can store the folded PackIt in the freezer until it?s ready to be packed. The foldable, freezable and reusable cooler stays cold up to 10 hours and is non-toxic, BPA-free and lead-free.

SodaStream USA, Inc.SodaStream Fizz Home Soda Maker
The SodaStream Fizz Home Soda Maker helps consumers eliminate empty cans and bottles to recycle or dispose. The system features interactive, patented Fizz Chip technology that monitors the CO2 level in the carbonator and indicates the level of carbonation in the finished drink. The Fizz Chip also helps the user know in advance when it is time to exchange the carbonator. The Fizz starter kit includes one CO2 carbonator that makes up to 60 liters, a reusable BPA-free carbonating bottle and 12-flavor sampler pack.

Home & Outdoor Décor

Nambe Best In Category Elbow Frame, 5x7
Accommodating either a vertical or horizontal photo, Nambe's rectangular Elbow photo frame consists of an oval base made of Nambe Alloy and two sheets of glass to enclose a photo. The Nambe Alloy base is designed to be solid and stable, and the frame is available in a 5 x 7-inch size.View Winner Profile

Energizer Household LightingEnergizer Edge Collection Accent Light
The Energizer Edge Collection Accent Light is a household lighting design that provides illumination through stylish, etched panels. Touch controls at the base of each of the four panels let consumers dim or brighten the light to customize the ambiance of the room. The integrated lighting system is made with advanced circuitry, optics and long-lasting LEDs.

P3 International CorporationSol-Mate Flip n' Charge Candle
P3 International's Sol-Mate Flip n' Charge Candle is said to provide a realistic candlelit glow with a long-lasting amber LED bulb that 'flickers' like a real candle. A built-in battery is charged by a patent-pending solar panel hidden on the underside of the candle housing. Flip the candle over to charge it, then flip it back over to use the product for up to eight hours on a full charge.

UM! Brands USANote UM! Peel and Stick Dry Eraser Board
UM! Brands USA used its patent-pending everSTIK technology to create the Note UM! Peel and Stick Dry Eraser Board. The portable plastic film dry eraser board can be mounted on any surface and can be reused without damage by simply sticking, peeling and then sticking again.

Home Environment Appliances

Swizz Style, Inc. Best In Category Gold Medal Recipient Stadler Form Anna Fan Heater
Swizz Style's Stadler Form Anna Fan Heater is a white ceramic heater that uses special paint to keep the unit looking white even after being exposed to heat, noted the company. The sleek and modern heater by Swiss designer Matti features two power levels, a PTC heating element that prevents overheating and an automatic shut-off with integrated tilt protection.View Winner Profile

For Life Products, Inc./dba RejuvenateAir Innovations Compact Personal Ultrasonic Humidifier
For Life Products' Rejuvenate Air Innovations Personal Ultrasonic Humidifier creates humidity and replenishes moisture. Users can attach a standard size water bottle to the compact and portable humidifier, which silently runs up to 12 hours and will shut off automatically.

Oreck Corp.Oreck DualMax Air Purifier
The Oreck DualMax Air Purifier has two high-performance fans, allowing for more efficient airflow with less noise, noted the company. The lightweight unit was developed to have the power of an air purifier tower in a compact form, and it captures airborne particles through a multi-stage filtration system.

Oreck Corp.Oreck AirInstinct Air Purifier
Oreck's AirInstinct Air Purifier features a PATH (Pre-filter, Anti-odor, True HEPA) three-stage filtration system that is said to continuously monitor particles in the air passing through its sensor and adjust airflow speed accordingly. The system captures 99.97% of dust, allergens and other particles from the air that passes through its filter, stated the company. The portable unit can be set on auto mode and features a four-color lighting monitor system, APS (Air Particulate Sensor) technology.

Swizz Style, Inc.Stadler Form Anton Ultrasonic Humidifier
Swizz Style's Stadler Form Anton Ultrasonic Humidifier highlights a modern design and energy-saving technology. The 18-watt cool mist unit has an automatic shut-off and is equipped with an anti-calcium cartridge and patented Ionic Silver Cube to keep the water free of bacteria. Control buttons are located on the underside of the humidifier, which can also function as a perfume dispenser.

Home Organization, Laundry Care & Non-Electric Cleaning

Cool Gear International, Inc. Best In Category Go Gear Travel Tubes
Cool Gear International's Go Gear Travel Tubes are made of a squeezable BPA-free silicone material and feature wide-mouth bottle openings for simple liquid transferring and dispensing. Go Gear's shape allows it to stand on all sides, top, bottom or laid flat on its side; and they come with write-on sticker labels for identifying contents. Go Gear is available in 1.25-, 2- and 3-ounce sizes and meet airline-approved guidelines.View Winner Profile

BlueAvocado(re)zip Reusable Storage Bags
The (re)zip collection from BlueAvocado is a solution for replacing plastic bags to store snacks, sandwiches, groceries or for travel. The (re)zips are machine washable, designed using a food-safe FDA grade peva film and include an audited impact label and carbon footprint. The bags are see-through for easy checkout, and they are TSA-compliant. Available in three sizes, the (re)zips are sold individually or as a six pack.

KMN HomeDrawerDecor Customizable Drawer Organizer
KMN Home's DrawerDecor is a fully customizable drawer organizing system for the kitchen, tools, craft and office. Users can secure and organize items using a non-slip Basemat and adjustable dividers of various shapes and sizes called Divitz that naturally adhere to the Basemat. The dishwasher-safe organizer is made of 100% food-grade silicone and comes in different colors to match d?cor.

OrganizablesChildren's Clothes Organizers
Organizables' Children's Clothes Organizers are designed to help parents organize their children's clothes for the week, with daily labeled 'thought bubbles,' which are also a teaching tool. Kids can learn the life skill of organization by preparing and coordinating outfits ahead of time. The organizers include zippered pockets for accessories.

Unger Industrial, LLCMicrofiber "Feather" Duster
Unger Industrial's Microfiber 'Feather' Duster replaces traditional feathers with the cleaning performance of microfiber. The individual 'feathers' open and softly bend to dust around delicate objects, collect dust from household surfaces and clean without the use of harsh chemicals. The removable head is machine washable. The patent-pending duster is part of Unger's Connect & Clean System and can be used hand-held or on a telepole for high-access dusting.

Personal, Health & Garment Care

Spectrum Brands, Inc. Best In Category Remington Pro Power Series Haircut & Beard Trimmer
The Remington Pro Power Series Haircut & Beard Trimmer uses cutting blades coated in titanium for extra strength and reduced vibration. A soft-open blade door mechanism allows the user to open the trimmer and wash the clipper after use. The model HC5550 trimmer features a 40-minute runtime, high performance DC motor with turbo boost and no-slip comb lock, as well as a USB charging capability.View Winner Profile

Conair Corp.Even Cut
Conair's model HC900 Even Cut features ultra-sharp stainless steel blades with a rotary cutting system for fast, precise, short haircuts. There are two adjustable comb guides for the most popular short, even cutting lengths and lock-in comb guides maintain the length setting while cutting.

Conair Corp.John Frieda Full Volume Hair Dryer
Conair's John Frieda Full Volume Hair Dryer high performance model JF1 features 1,875 watts of drying power and advanced ionic conditioning. An exclusive high-voltage ionic generator is said to cut drying time up to 50% and blows volume, bounce and shine into the user's hair as it dries.

GleenerGleener The Ultimate Fuzz Remover
Gleener The Ultimate Fuzz Remover is a garment care product that is designed to remove sweater pills and fuzzballs. Three detachable blades treat virtually every fiber, from tough synthetics to delicate naturals. The fuzz remover also features a built-in lint brush to give consumers 2-in-1 convenience.

Pic CorporationBugables Mosquito Repellent Stickers
Pic Corporation's Bugables Mosquito Repellent Stickers are said to repel mosquitoes up to 200 hours. The stickers are insecticide-free and are infused with natural repellent oils. Users can peel off the paper backing and adhere to clothing, caps, sneakers and backpacks.

Tableware, Serveware & Beverageware

Black + Blum Best In Category Lunch Pot
Black + Blum's lunch pot features a simple screw-off top and a watertight locking seal. During transit, a strap mechanism holds both containers in place as the weight of their contents keeps everything taut. The lunch pot is microwave and dishwasher safe, and the smaller pot fits into the larger pot for compact carrying when empty.View Winner Profile

Blomus-SKS USA Corp.Delta Decanting Carafe
The Delta Decanting Carafe by Blomus serves as both a decanter and filter while aerating the wine as it is poured into the decanter. The shape of the closure allows the wine to be decanted as it runs down the entire inner glass surface, thereby maximizing aeration. A stainless steel lid serves as a cork and wine stone filter.

Cosmoda CorporationKoko SoftSpout Water Bottle
Cosmoda Corporation's SoftSpout is both a water seal and drinking spout. The silicone spout flexes into the bottle's neck, and the user screws down the cap to create a watertight seal. By unthreading the cap, the spout flexes back into its original form. The reusable water bottle?s spout is available in six different colors and is interchangeable with all bottle shapes and sizes.

U.S. Acrylic, LLCClarus 6-liter Beverage Dispenser with Refillable Ice Core
The Clarus 6-liter Beverage Dispenser from U.S. Acrylic features a patented, built-in ice core that can be refilled without needing to remove it from the tank. It is designed to be quickly and easily refilled from the top, and as the ice melts, water drips into a lower reservoir/base for quick cleanup. The dispenser is made from BPA-free Tritan copolyester.

Vinturi, Inc.Vinturi Travel Red Wine Aerator
The patented Vinturi Travel is a compact, portable version of the larger Vinturi Red Wine Aerator and is calibrated to aerate red wine. The Vinturi Travel weighs 2 ounces, is sized to fit into any pocket and comes with a black case.